Becoming a more sustainable school

There are over 30,000 schools in the UK. If each school made a conscience effort to become more sustainable it would have a considerable impact

Each year, on average, secondary schools produce 22kg of waste per pupil, and primary schools 45kg of waste per pupil. The majority of this waste is thought to come from two main sources; paper and food. So, what steps can schools take to try and enhance their green credentials?

Reducing meat consumption

Avoiding meat and dairy products is the single biggest way to reduce your environmental impact on the planet, according to the scientists behind the most comprehensive analysis to date of the damage farming does to the planet. This new research shows that, without meat and dairy consumption, global farmland use could be reduced by more than 75%. The Meat Free Mondays schools programme includes ideas for how schools can reduce their meat intake.

Grow your own

Growing your own food is not only good for the planet, but also educational. By dedicating a small area of school grounds to growing food you can teach pupils the importance of knowing where food comes from which will help them develop a more sustainable-focused mindset. For more information and resources take a look at Food For Life’s Get Growing page.

Food waste diary

Having children keep a diary of how much food they have thrown away, and the reason why, makes them more conscience of their decisions, and less likely to waste food.

Going paperless

The world is becoming increasingly paperless in an aim to reduce paper waste. The majority of people in the UK have access to a device on which they can receive digital communication. Do you really need to print out endless letters to send to staff, pupils and parents? When you go to press that print button think to yourself; is this really necessary?

Keeping an eye on energy

The Carbon Detectives’ Kit allows schools to work out their carbon footprints and compare them to other schools; this comparison should allow you to be able to see whether you are doing enough – or whether you need to do more – to reduce your carbon footprint.

The Sustainable Learning programme encourages schools to make energy reductions of 10%, on average, and develop a better understanding of how energy and water is used within their buildings.

Remember – encouraging sustainable is all about encouraging understand – the more you know, the more you know how you can help!